Proverbs 18:16

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
– Proverbs 18:16

The word for gift is a general term meaning a present. It differs from the word used in other proverbs that speak of bribes (Proverbs 17:8, 23). The proverb reminds us gifts have good uses, such as appeasing anger (Proverbs 21:14). Jacob hoped to appease anger if any remained in his brother Esau (Genesis 32:20). Bribing or judges or perverting justice is not in view here. The proverb generally states that gifts can open doors, or gain opportunities. The implication is for us to use gifts wisely with understanding that they can be dangerous as well (Proverbs 15:27).

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